The Salvation Army of Dane County announced Wednesday that it will eliminate eight of its 58 staff positions and close its community center at the end of March, according to Madison365. The move comes in response to budget shortfalls.
While the organization reportedly received additional grants and public funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of that money has run out. It also opened The Shield Apartments, a complex with 11 subsidized housing units for low-income families and 44 total units. It costs over $150,000 annually to operate.
The staff reduction is expected to save over $475,000 per year, according to the organization. The community center, serving the Darbo Worthington neighborhood for roughly 18 months after a three-year closure during the pandemic, will offer programming through March 28.
